Tired of the same old same old in the World Series every October? Then this year’s matchup definitely should appeal to you. The Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants never have met in the Fall Classic.

Both teams feature Cy Young candidates (and past winners), MVP front-runners and talented youngsters, but there also are plenty of differences between the Tigers and Giants. Chief among them is the path each pennant winner has taken to this matchup.

Detroit hasn’t played since sweeping the New York Yankees out of the postseason this past Thursday, while San Francisco didn’t finish off the St. Louis Cardinals until Monday night. The Tigers never trailed in either of their postseason series, while the Giants have fallen into deep holes before fabulously recovering in each of theirs.

So, who will win the World Series? Sporting News’ team of baseball experts weighs in:

“The San Francisco Giants don’t line up well when it comes to their starting pitching, so common sense tells me to pick the Detroit Tigers to win it all. But I’ve also covered six Giants games this postseason, and that tells me to pick them, so I will. Giants in 7.”

— Sporting News baseball writer Anthony Witrado

“Cardinals and Reds fans might not believe it, but a force really exists that can stop the incredible roll of the Giants. And he pitches for the Tigers. Game 1 starter Justin Verlander not only will halt the Giants' mojo, he'll give his teammates a chance to shake off the rust from their week-long layoff. As the Game 5 starter, Verlander also will be in prime position to keep the Giants from rallying if they end up in another 3-1 hole. Tigers in 6.”

“The Giants are at a disadvantage because their rotation isn’t lined up optimally. But even if Matt Cain and Ryan Vogelsong were starting the first two games, I wouldn’t give San Francisco’s rotation the edge over Detroit’s four stud starters. The Tigers’ offense is more consistent, and their ninth-inning questions aren’t enough to spook me. Tigers in 6.”

— Sporting News senior baseball editor Chris Bahr

“Detroit Tigers in six games for two reasons. One, Justin Verlander is other-worldly this postseason. Two, Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and ALCS MVP Delmon Young. All three have swung the bat extremely well and will do so in the World Series. San Francisco should have been fishing a long time ago. They will after Game 6. Tigers are a lock.”

— Sporting News Editor-in-Chief Garry Howard

“Sorry, San Fran, I’m not a big believer in momentum in baseball. I am, however, a big believer in pitching. Detroit has its rotation lined up; its 'pen has covered Valverde’s fire-starter ways. Unless the Tigers have a defensive meltdown (it could happen), then they’re too much. Tigers in 6.”

— Sporting News deputy editor Bob Hille

“When the World Series is about to begin, it'd be a good idea to know who your closer is. The Tigers don't. Maybe they’ll score so many runs it won’t matter, but that’s doubtful. The Giants pitch and catch too well for that. Giants in 6.”

— Sporting News writer Matt Crossman

“The Giants make better contact—especially since Marco Scutaro joined the lineup—than either of the Tigers’ two previous opponents, the A’s and the Yankees. And more baseballs in play means more defensive pressure on the Tigers’ collection of limited-range fielders. San Francisco pitching coach Dave Righetti did a masterful job game-planning for St. Louis’ patient, playoff-tested lineup, and he’ll do the same against the Tigers.”